Dark

Episode 6

I woke up with a heavy head and just sat on the bed for a moment, recalling last night's events. They were so clear on my mind. I couldn't shake the feeling that the devil was lying to me about everything he said. Everything he promised me was tempting, I don't wanna lie. Apart from the riches, there was this particular statement that kept ringing in my head.

"You don't have to give me an answer right now, Dearest Sela, you can think about it. Take your time, okay? And remember, the benefits of being my woman, you will no longer be required to give a sacrifice, you will have anything you want at your fingertips darling." The devil had given me a smile after that, and instructed his demon to take us back.

I was wondering why me? I knew I was different since childhood, but getting married to Satan was something else. The main question was, who am I?

I went to take a shower, fixed my makeup, and got dressed into a long dress. I ironed my uniform and packed it into a bag. I walked to the kitchen and made some coffee, I ate some fruit salad while waiting for my coffee. Abamama suddenly appeared to me and I nearly dropped the salad bowl.

Me: What happened to giving a warning before coming?

Her: (she rolled her eyes) You should always expect me all the times.

Me: I know, I know, but I'll never get used to this.

Her: So, have you made up your mind? I'm expected to return with an answer today.

Me: You are working there now?

Her: Yes! (Excited) I have been promoted.

Me: Wow! Congratulations, your hard work has finally paid.

Her: Thank you.

Me: Abamama, are you okay?

Her: Meaning?

Me: About the Devil's nuptial? I mean, you wanted him. I can always say no, I mean, we are sisters after all, I can't hurt you like that.

Her: (She shrugged her shoulders) I'm super great. I wouldn't love him right anyway, I would have always been scared of him, like a puppet. But with you, I can see there is a bit of stubbornness and some challenge. He always loved challenges. But don't say no to him, he can kill you, he is too prideful. He asked you just for the sake of it, it was a command.

Me: I thought so too.

Her: But don't be scared child, Abamama will always be here for you.

Me: Thank you.

Her: Now, let me bless you.

I knelt down on the floor and closed my eyes. She came and stood in front of me, then started chanting some ancient spell. She wasn't touching me, just putting her hands above my head.

Her: ...open her third eye now that she would be facing trials and tribulations... (I felt dizzy)

I woke up later on, on the cold floor with Abamama gone. I checked the time on my wrist watch and it was 8am, which means I had passed out for almost an hour. Lucky my shift was starting at 11:30 am. I slowly stood up and made my way out to the car.

I got in and started it, ready to drive to my aunt's funeral. I'll have to help them with the arrangements. While driving, I felt something breathing at the back seat. I was about to turn my head when a very deep voice spoke.

It: Don't look Lilith. You will cause an accident if you do look, I'm very ugly.

Me: (I chuckled) I'm used to seeing demons everyday. Who are you?

It: I am a very different kind of demon. My name, you will learn it in due time.

Me: So, who sent you? (I pressed the remote for the gate and watched it closing, then I joined the road)

It: Your betrothed.

Me: My what? I haven't even replied him. What the hell?

It: What about the Hell?

Me: No, never mind, it's just a swearing word.

It: I don't understand, how can Hell be used for swearing?

Me: Are all demons stupid? God, this day isn't getting any better, first I collapsed, now this? So, what's your business with me? Why did he send you?

It: I was assigned to protect you. I was always there since you joined witchcraft, just that your third eye wasn't fully opened yet.

Me: I don't need your protection. Protecting me from what exactly? We are the evil ones, the good ones (God's people) are the ones who needs protection from evil.

It: So, why did you join us if you knew all that?

Me: I'm just in for the money, and please, shut up.

It: Your wish, your command Madam

Aunty's place....

I found the yard full of people, helping to clean up and pitch the funeral tents. A big brown, canvas tent was already pitched, showing people that there is a funeral. Young men were skinning 2 goats that had just been slaughtered.

I parked my car under the big tree and stepped out. The demon stepped out too. It was a hairy, human like thing with yellow eyes and sharp teeth.

Me: Uh-uh, you are not going anyway with me.

It: I was assigned to protect you 24/7.

Me: (lowered my voice) Heela, ga ke ye gope le dithokolosi nna, boela mo koloing. Kana batho ba taa tsaya gore ke sepoko ba bona ke bua kele 1, ke bonwa ke wena hela akere? (I'm not going anywhere with demons, get back in the car. People will think I'm crazy seeing me talk alone. I am the only one who can see you right?)

It: Yes Madam. (It got back in the car)

I walked to the fireplace, where my cousins were baking bread in big pots. There were a lot of people I didn't know there, probably neighbours and friends.

Me: Dumelang. (Greetings)

Them: Dumela mma.

Cousin 1: Oteng Sela?

Me: Ee ke teng motho wame. How are you coping?

Cousin 1: I'll be fine love. It's Diboys and the little ones who aren't coping well. It is tragic, I still can't believe that aunty is gone.

Me: (sad face) Yeah, very tragic. Where are they?

Her: They are in the house with the elders.

Me: Okay, let me go greet them. I'm just passing by, ke a theogela ka 11:30, I'll see you sente mo maitseboeng.

Cousin 1: Okay, bring me Savanna 6 pack when you come later on.

Cousin 2: Couzy me too!

Me: Okay lovies.

I took one scone from the freshly baked bread and walked to the main house chewing. I walked in and bent over, greeting my grandmother, older aunties and the relatives.

Granny: Sela, you hardly visit me nowadays, what's wrong child?

Me: Sepe mmama.

Granny: Au, you look so beautiful in this long dress. (She kissed both my hands)

Aunty: She should be married by now. Should I find you a man? My friend has handsome sons.

Sela: (laughing) Aunty bathong. I'm okay alone, no rushing things.

Granny: Le ngwana wa ga Petere o ka mo tshwanela, (Petere's son would be good for you) I'll talk to his father, he is a teacher. Akere it looks like you are too busy at work to find a man.

Me: Mmama, not you too.

Granny: I want grandkids.

Aunty: Yes, we want to help you with your kids before we die. I promise, I will find you a man, nnxwi!

My phone rang and I walked out laughing. I picked Dr Leru's call as I walked to my car.

Me: The Good Doctor.

Him: (Laughing) Not you too. O to go swaba, o mpitsa dio tseo le wena? (You are calling me that too?)

Me: Haha! It's your name, don't run away from it.

Him: You are something else. Are you free?

Me: What do you want doctor? Are they short staffed at work? I'll go there soon.

Him: No, not work related. I know you lost your aunt yesterday, so you are probably stressed. I want to take you out for breakfast, name any place.

Me: (Sighing) I'm fine doctor. Thank you for your effort, but I'm getting on really fine.

Him: Okay, Yes Maam. How about lunch? I can drop it at the hospital if you will be swamped.

Me: Still a no.

Him: Sela?

Me: Yes? (I was getting irritated)

Him: Am I ugly? (I could feel pain in his voice)

Me: No, look I have to hang up.

Him: Wait! What do I have to do to get your attention?

Me: Nothing, probably nothing. I have a boyfriend, and he is a devil of a boyfriend, I'm protecting you. Stay away from me.

Him: I won't take no for an answer this time. I don't believe that you have a boyfriend, if he is there, I don't care if your boyfriend is the Devil himself. I will bring that lunch, like it or not. He won't stop me from getting what I want. I am always ready for a challenge..

He hung up and I hit my forehead on the steering wheel. Why can't this man understand that I'm protecting him?

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